Geico Taikisha

From crisis to competitiveness thanks to values and people. Geico’s history captured in a film and book.

Milan, 24 May 2017 – The Institute for Business Values (ISVI) and INAZ explore the story of Ali Reza Arabnia, who has relaunched the Cinisello Balsamo-based company by focusing on innovation, business culture and a responsible approach to enterprise. Video-dialogue with the economist Marco Vitale.

The case studies analysed in business schools often revolve around the same points: the profits achieved by the companies in question, the entrepreneurial success of the founders and the value generated for shareholders. Not all business stories are like that, however. In other cases, success is achieved through values, responsibility and putting people first.

It is exactly this type of case study that the Institute for Business Values (ISVI) and INAZ, through its Piccola Biblioteca d’Impresa [Small Business Library], have decided to focus on for their latest project: a film and book entitled Ali Reza Arabnia – The story and values of an entrepreneur.

The project profiles Geico Taikisha, part of the Gecofin Group which specialises in painting systems for the car sector, and in particular its CEO Ali Reza Arabnia, who has pulled off a small miracle by leading Geico out of economic difficulty and allowing it to once again compete on the international markets. How has he done this? By going against the current to choose a direction based on values, people and social responsibility.

“Arabnia took over Geico at a time of economic and financial crisis and promptly embarked on something of a revolution,” explains ISVI president and INAZ CEO Linda Gilli. “His approach to management combined the rational and emotional sides of the human brain, merging business efficiency with the satisfaction and motivation of his employees. He has driven both technological and cultural innovation, basing everything Geico does on the values of respect, propriety and openness. And he was right.” Thanks to the results of this approach, Geico is now a shining example for Italian SMEs of how to enjoy success in a global industry that is both saturated and highly competitive. Gilli continues: “ISVI, whose mission has always been to promote responsible entrepreneurship, was really keen to produce a video and book about the Ali Reza Arabnia story. We wanted to show that you achieve business success by putting values and people first.”

In the book, which is published by the INAZ Piccola Biblioteca d’Impresa, Alessandro Zattoni recounts the life story of Ali Reza Arabnia, from his first professional experiences – when his skills as an entrepreneur and leader came to light – to his and his wife Laura’s acquisition and management of Geico. The book is accompanied by a 53-minute video interview with Ali Reza Arabnia. Directed by Marco Manzoni, the video features a dialogue with business economist Marco Vitale.

The video interview for Ali Reza Arabnia – The story and values of an entrepreneur, directed by Marco Manzoni, is online now: here.
The book is on sale now. Click here.

Geico is a world leader in the design and manufacture of automated turnkey vehicle body painting plants.